Major contract for Joint Support Ships announced

By BCShippingNews 02 October 2018

Seaspan has awarded a contract to Hawboldt Industries, the first of several to be announced for Canadian suppliers supporting work on the Joint Support Ships

Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan) has awarded Hawboldt Industries (Hawboldt) of Chester, Nova Scotia, two contracts for a total value of $8M for work on Canada’s new Joint Support Ships (JSS). This is one of several expected to be announced for Canadian suppliers supporting Seaspan’s work on naval supply ships under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS).

Hawboldt will provide deck equipment for JSS. This equipment will include anchoring and mooring packages and the primary cranes. Hawboldt has an established relationship with Seaspan thanks to its work under the NSS on the Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels (OFSV), the first of which was launched late last year.

Thanks to its work under the NSS, Seaspan has developed nearly $650M in committed contracts with approximately 520 Canadian companies. As the company continues to make progress on its NSS commitments, this supply chain is expected to grow as more Canadian companies realize new opportunities with a revitalized shipbuilding industry. It is through its work on the NSS that Seaspan is directly and indirectly helping to employ thousands of Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

QUOTES

“Seaspan’s investment in Hawboldt is a prime example of how we are using our purchasing power to drive shipbuilding innovation and support Canadian jobs. Our government is using the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy to make sure that projects under the National Shipbuilding Strategy deliver jobs and economic benefits across the country.” - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Industry, Science, and Economic Development

“One of the goals of Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy is to build a solid and sustainable domestic marine sector. Today's announcement will help create well-paying jobs while encouraging investment in Canadian companies. Congratulations to both Seaspan and Hawboldt Industries on this important contract.” - The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement

“Thanks to its work under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), Seaspan Shipyards is developing a Canadian supply chain that can respond to the needs of our domestic shipbuilding industry. With this supply chain development, the NSS is encouraging investment by Canadian companies, supporting the development of export opportunities, and creating highly-skilled, middle class jobs across Canada. Our continued relationship with Hawboldt Industries is an important one and their involvement in the NSS demonstrates the national impact of Canada’s shipbuilding program.” - Mark Lamarre, Chief Executive Officer, Seaspan Shipyards

“On behalf of our employees and owners, I am pleased to announce that Hawboldt Industries will be designing and building the mooring equipment and main deck crane for the Canadian Navy’s new JSS presently under construction at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyard. This is a tremendous vote of confidence from Seaspan in Hawboldt’s ability to deliver critical equipment for the next phase of the National Shipbuilding Strategy. We value Seaspan’s commitment to the Canadian supply chain as it provides a boost to Canadian companies like Hawboldt, who leverage these domestic sales into strong international exports. Equipment that Hawboldt has developed for Seaspan’s NSS projects like the JSS is being marketed and sold around the world.” - John Huxtable, General Manager, Hawboldt Industries

QUICK FACTS

Seaspan operates three yards with a combined workforce greater than 2,000 people across its yards in North Vancouver & Victoria

To date, Seaspan has awarded nearly $650M in contracts to approximately 520 Canadian companies, including more than $25M with companies based in Nova Scotia

Hawboldt has increased its Canadian hiring as a direct result of its work under the NSS and added more than 20 new positions for highly-skilled trades and professionals

In addition, its work under the NSS will allow Hawboldt to expand its production capabilities and market new products internationally